HALF LIFE

Erika McGrath

HALF LIFE

Erika McGrath

Drama

Short

Gary, a mid-western welder, sets out through the motions of a normal day. After work, he meets a series of strangers that change the course of his night. Pressed against the vicissitudes of his own memories, Gary finds himself feeling unsettled and uncertain about both his past and his future.

Gary, a mid-western welder, sets out through the motions of a normal day. After work, he meets a series of strangers that change the course of his night. Pressed against the vicissitudes of his own memories, Gary finds himself feeling unsettled and uncertain about both his past and his future.

106 supporters

170 followers

Green Light

RAISED $15,481

for PRODUCTION

106 supporters, 170 followers

About The Project

This project began as I listened to the stories of my Mother and Father--- stories of lives looking for home, of memories and mistakes... Personal triumphs that beam through to your core and inspire you to live more. HALF LIFE is a film about listening. Listening to yourself, to the world around and beyond you-- letting your heart speak to other hearts, your soul listen to other souls.

HALF LIFE explores what it is to transition between two parts of your life and the breaking open of a person that emerges through this process. Our protagonist, Gary, finds himself at the threshold between three states of being; past, present and future. Throughout the film, Gary continually places himself in situations of the unfamiliar, vacillating on the edge of time, his identity, and a new way of moving through the world. I feel like this is a story we can all relate to-- a window into a time in a life when someone begins to push their own limits, stretching out and beyond, observing and listening to what manifests while living through all the questions. As the writer and director, I set out to make a beautiful and evocative picture, something that would resonate through an audience and connect them to their own places of inspiration. Its the kind of film that comes too few and far between in popular movie making these days-- one that tells a quiet, honest story illuminating the ineffable and irreducible.

Earlier on in pre-production, I said to my friend and consulting producer BriAnna Olson, "...the thing about stories, it seems, is that however urgently it may arise in one's mind/heart/life, it cannot really be written or told with authenticity until its rightful time has come." The time for this story is NOW-- I can feel it in my bones. This story is ready to be told but it cannot be realized without the participation, inclusion, and help of my community. So many people have already extended a hand lending us their businesses, homes, and land to shoot on. We have been graciously gifted some of the resources we need but there is still a long way to go before we hear that camera motor up with film rushing through its gate!

Many thanks for taking the time to read through our project, please consider what you might be able to donate or lend so that we may all gather together and celebrate the work we have made. I revel in the chance to work with you all!

Kindly,

Erika McGrath

Incentives

$10

Thank you! You're about to get a shout out on Facebook PLUS we'll send you a Half Life postcard, handwritten on set by director, Erika McGrath.

Claimed: 0 of 100

$25

Hot dog! Not only will we shout you out on Facebook and send you a postcard but, you just got yourself a digital download of the Half Life mixtape-- carefully crafted by director, Erika McGrath!

Claimed: 0 of 100

$75

In addition to a Facebook shout out, postcard, and mixtape-- My friend, you just keyed in on the Half Life Sneak-Peek Package!!! You'll have exclusive access to production stills, behind the scene videos and more!

Claimed: 0 of 100

$150

Wow, you just knocked our socks off! Along with the Half Life Sneak-Peek Package, mixtape and Facebook shout out-- You just scored a limited edition, handmade silkscreen Half Life movie poster designed by David Litman, printed by Leslie Zate. These puppies will be hand numbered works of art, sure to become the most coveted of family heirlooms!

Claimed: 0 of 50

$250

We're saving you a seat!!! Actually, we're saving two-- You and one friend will have reserved seats at the Half Life premier. This way you'll have someone to brag to when your name comes up on the silver screen! Thats right, you'll have reserved seats at the premier AND receive special thanks for your donation in the credits of the film. Oh, and you'll have exclusive access to the Sneak-Peek Package, too. Its okay, you can get excited about this now. (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 25

$500

You've got exclusive access to our Sneak-Peek Package, reserved seats for you and one guest at the premier, special thanks in the credits, AND you just landed the chance to BE AN EXTRA in the movie! This is the mother load. Not only do you have the opportunity to be an extra in the film, we're going to help you look the part with a custom Half Life work shirt. A dazzling blue, this beauty comes with your name on an embroidered patch, and is short sleeved for these Ohio summers. Lookin' good, boss. Lookin' good. (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 10

$1,000

You just brought this up to the next level! Walking the red carpet as a VIP, you'll have seats for you and one guest ready and waiting, front and center. Not only are you a VIP with your name in the credits, you're also invited to break bread with the cast and crew on set during the shoot! We'll welcome you to set with endless gratitude AND an autographed print of the limited edition Half Life movie poster! (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 5

$2,500

You're really shelling out beaucoup bucks here, Associate Producer!!! You'll receive credit in the film as an Associate Producer, VIP seating at the premier, exclusive access to the Sneak-Peek Package, AND an invite to the cast and crew BBQ. There will be food, drink, games, and a bonfire of glorious proportions. Bring a koozie and your ambition 'cause you're in the movie business now, son. (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 3

$5,000

Holy moly, what did you just say? You're not messing around here and neither are we-- We're sending you a postcard, mixtape, autographed poster, exclusive access to the Sneak-Peek Package, VIP seating at the premier, big time BBQ, AND you'll be getting major credit. Literally. You're name will appear in the credits under, "Major Funding Provided By," and we'll invite you to join us as our special guest at a festival screening of Half Life in a city near you. You're a movie mogul now-- break out that black tie and, as Dolly Parton said, "Smile, it enhances your face value!" (travel and accommodations not included)

How much would you like to pledge?

$975 to go

costs $1,125

How much would you like to pledge?

$10

Thank you! You're about to get a shout out on Facebook PLUS we'll send you a Half Life postcard, handwritten on set by director, Erika McGrath.

Claimed: 0 of 100

$25

Hot dog! Not only will we shout you out on Facebook and send you a postcard but, you just got yourself a digital download of the Half Life mixtape-- carefully crafted by director, Erika McGrath!

Claimed: 0 of 100

$75

In addition to a Facebook shout out, postcard, and mixtape-- My friend, you just keyed in on the Half Life Sneak-Peek Package!!! You'll have exclusive access to production stills, behind the scene videos and more!

Claimed: 0 of 100

$150

Wow, you just knocked our socks off! Along with the Half Life Sneak-Peek Package, mixtape and Facebook shout out-- You just scored a limited edition, handmade silkscreen Half Life movie poster designed by David Litman, printed by Leslie Zate. These puppies will be hand numbered works of art, sure to become the most coveted of family heirlooms!

Claimed: 0 of 50

$250

We're saving you a seat!!! Actually, we're saving two-- You and one friend will have reserved seats at the Half Life premier. This way you'll have someone to brag to when your name comes up on the silver screen! Thats right, you'll have reserved seats at the premier AND receive special thanks for your donation in the credits of the film. Oh, and you'll have exclusive access to the Sneak-Peek Package, too. Its okay, you can get excited about this now. (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 25

$500

You've got exclusive access to our Sneak-Peek Package, reserved seats for you and one guest at the premier, special thanks in the credits, AND you just landed the chance to BE AN EXTRA in the movie! This is the mother load. Not only do you have the opportunity to be an extra in the film, we're going to help you look the part with a custom Half Life work shirt. A dazzling blue, this beauty comes with your name on an embroidered patch, and is short sleeved for these Ohio summers. Lookin' good, boss. Lookin' good. (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 10

$1,000

You just brought this up to the next level! Walking the red carpet as a VIP, you'll have seats for you and one guest ready and waiting, front and center. Not only are you a VIP with your name in the credits, you're also invited to break bread with the cast and crew on set during the shoot! We'll welcome you to set with endless gratitude AND an autographed print of the limited edition Half Life movie poster! (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 5

$2,500

You're really shelling out beaucoup bucks here, Associate Producer!!! You'll receive credit in the film as an Associate Producer, VIP seating at the premier, exclusive access to the Sneak-Peek Package, AND an invite to the cast and crew BBQ. There will be food, drink, games, and a bonfire of glorious proportions. Bring a koozie and your ambition 'cause you're in the movie business now, son. (travel and accommodations not included)

Claimed: 0 of 3

$5,000

Holy moly, what did you just say? You're not messing around here and neither are we-- We're sending you a postcard, mixtape, autographed poster, exclusive access to the Sneak-Peek Package, VIP seating at the premier, big time BBQ, AND you'll be getting major credit. Literally. You're name will appear in the credits under, "Major Funding Provided By," and we'll invite you to join us as our special guest at a festival screening of Half Life in a city near you. You're a movie mogul now-- break out that black tie and, as Dolly Parton said, "Smile, it enhances your face value!" (travel and accommodations not included)

Current Team

About This Team

I have been so very fortunate in receiving all the help from this crew-- they are a kick ass group of stellar human beings and professional magic makers. I am thrilled to be moving into production with these rock stars, they all deserve a whole lot of love and definitely an entire homemade pie.

WHO WE ARE:

Erika McGrath, Writer/Director/Producer:

Born and raised in Clyde-Ohio, McGrath is proud to be making her debut narrative film about its people, its stories, and its landscapes. After receiving her B.A. in Film Studies & Production from Hofstra University, McGrath began her career in post production working for editor Hank Corwin's Lost Planet Editorial. McGrath has been active in film & television production for several years--- garnering a special understanding of box trucks and walkie radio etiquette. When not making movies, she is also an active dog lover, motorcycle rider, and pie enthusiast.

Hilary Leavitt, Story Editor:

Hilary graduated from Pace University where she received her BA in Theater Arts Directing and Film & Screen Studies. Currently she works in the scripted programming department at BBC America where she has the pleasure of working on the critically acclaimed hit series Orphan Black. Prior to a career in television Hilary built up an extensive theatrical resume working in various capacities including directing several productions as well as getting to assist some incredibly talented artists.

Chris Gauthier, Producer:

Chris graduated from Massachusetts College with a degree in journalism and sociology. He then taught English writing at Hebei University in China and went on to report and edit for NewsChina magazine in Beijing. After several years in China, Chris returned to the Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts to work on a dairy farm and become a producer at Aurora Studios. Chris went back to the classroom to study radio and multimedia storytelling at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine. Chris feels a story doesn't have to be dramatic to be compelling. He values most the stories that challenge audiences with a different perspective.

BriAnna Olson, Consulting Producer:

Born and raised in the Midwest, BriAnna is happy to return for Half Life. She has produced narrative and hypernarrative video projects for Girl Scouts of America, Amanda Palmer, Sony BMG and Children's Hospital Boston in addition to 30+ music videos. Her videos have premiered on industry-leading MTV/Logo Networks, Australia’s iconic RAGE television program and online at NPR All Songs Considered, The Fader, BlackBook, Altered Zones, Pitchfork, Spin, and Stereogum sites.

Hillary Spera, Cinematographer:

Hillary Spera is a cinematographer based out of Brooklyn, New York and raised in Vermont. She has traveled all over the world shooting both narrative and documentary films, most recently completing Frank Hall Green's narrative feature WILDLIKE in Alaska. Other recent work includes BLACK ROCK, directed by Katie Aselton and produced by Mark Duplass, which premiered at Sundance 2012 and is currently out in theaters, HIGH ROAD, an improv comedy feature directed by Upright Citizen's Brigade founder Matt Walsh, and SALAR, directed by Nicholas Greene and shot in Bolivia, shortlisted for a short form 2013 Academy Award. Her documentary feature credits include DARKON, winner of the Audience Award at 2006 SXSW, ALICE NEEL, AMERICAN JUGGALO, and OXYANA, directed by Sean Dunne and portraying oxycontin addiction in the coal mining hills of West Virginia. Most recently, Hillary shot AFTER TILLER, a documentary depicting four late-term abortion doctors in America that premiered at 2013 Sundance Film Festival and will be released in theaters through Oscilloscope Laboratories in 2013.

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